ANTARA reported that the world's third largest coal exporter Indonesia plans to gradually cease its coal exports to save for its future needs.
As per report, Indonesian National Energy Board, or DEN, is now putting together such a recommendation to be submitted to the government this month.
Mr Rinaldi Dalimi member of the Energy Board said “Up till now, DEN members are still discussing a strategy to keep coal to ourselves and the benefits to be derived by such a policy.”
Mr Rinaldi said the current coal production of 250 million tonnes per year would reach its break even point in the next 20 to 30 years.
The Association of Indonesian Coal Mining Companies said Wednesday it forecasts 2010 coal production to reach 275 million tonnes to 280 million tonnes.
Last year's coal production was 254 million tonnes, 20% less than in 2008. The association attributes the decline in production to lengthy licensing procedures, particularly for mining in forested areas, that can take between six and 12 months to complete. It also blamed lack of coordination between the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry and regional, provincial and district administrations.
According to a 2008 statistical energy survey, Indonesia has coal reserves of 4.3 billion tonnes.
(Sourced from Antara)
